Expedition Overview


Facts of the trip

  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Arrival On
    15 March 2022
  • Departure From
    Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Accommodation
    Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Teahouse basis accommodation during trekking
  • Meals
    BB plan in Kathmandu and All meals during the trek and expediiton
  • Best Time
    October-December, February- Jun
  • Transportation
    Car,Jeep in Kathmandu/ domestic flight

Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), one of the world’s third-highest mountains, is renowned as the “queen of mountains.” The Kanchenjunga region is one of the most beautiful areas in the country, with a spectacular landscape featuring Himalayan peaks rising above 7,000 meters. It boasts varied ecological zones, from subtropical lands to glacial wilderness, and is home to lush flora and fauna. This region was opened for trekking tourism only in 1988. Trekking in this area is relatively strenuous since the region is regarded as the most remote place in Nepal. The Sherpas inhabit the northern part of the Kanchenjunga region, while the southern lower part is populated by ethnic groups such as Rai, Limbus, Magars, Tamangs, Brahmans, and Chhetris. The Kanchenjunga trek begins and ends at a small airstrip in Suketar, which lies in the far eastern corner of Nepal. The trek leads through pristine forests, fascinating villages, to the amazing Kanchenjunga South and North Base Camps, offering magnificent mountain views, beautiful mountain rivers, and remote traditional villages.

Highlights of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek:

  1. Panoramic view of neighboring mountains, including Frey Peak (5830m), Koktang (6,148m), Kabru Peak (7,412m), Ratong, Chandra Peak, and the Kabru Dome (6600m).
  2. Trek to the base camp of the third-highest mountain in the world, an unforgettable experience.
  3. Take a tour of a Sikkim tea garden, where you can learn about various types of teas and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
  4. Meet and greet people from remote villages, experiencing their unique culture and way of life.
  5. Explore the vibrant culture of Sikkim by embarking on a monastery tour.

Itinerary

Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu (1,400m). After time to get refreshed, evening you will meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and after meal briefing about your trip. Overnight at Hotel.

Today, morning we will ready after your breakfast to head on for our relaxing guided day trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys are giggling with you and take a time to exploring surrounding area and visit Bouddhanath stupa an another pilgrimage centre which is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise. After your lunch at Bouddha visit Swoyambhunath stupa also known as monkey temple covering wide range of area with highest point of Kathmandu valley and enjoy the 360 degrees of valley view. After exploring the surrounding areas visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is old royal palace of Kathmandu and can be seen lot of temple, architectures and Kumari (living goddess) and walk in a freak street and late afternoon back to hotel and evening briefing about your trip, what is your responsibility, what to do and does not in the trek? Introduce with our fellow trekking staff and chances to ask remaining question and simply relax at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

We catch early morning scenic flight to Bhadrapur. After landing, we take a jeep ride to Ilam enjoying the view of beautiful landscapes. Ilam is Nepal’s largest tea plantation area and serves as a major tourist area even for domestic tourists. The picturesque town of Ilam hosts large orchards of tea plants and is also famous for the Himalayan chew made of cheese. Overnight at hotel in Ilam.

Today, we head towards Taplejung in private transportation. Driving along the beautiful countryside view, we pass through Phidim, Taplejung, Mitlung to Chirwa. Overnight in Chirwa.

Trekking through the villages of Taplethok, Tamewa, Hellok, and Lelep, we move alongside Tamor River and descend towards Simbu Khola, which emerges from the Yalung Glacier. We then trek through steep and narrow Ghunsa Khola valley to finally arrive in Sukathum. Overnight in Sukathum.

Moving with the flow of Ghunsa Khola, we head towards Amjilosa walking through steep uphill on exposed terrain. Relishing the amazing landscape view and crossing several bridges over Ghunsa Khola, we reach the Tibetan village of Amjilosa. Overnight in Amjilosa.

Today, we walk through forested trail filled with rhododendrons and bamboo, before ascending to Gyabla. We also come across a big waterfall on the opposite side of the river on our way to Gyabla. Making a steep ascent and then a descent, we arrive in Gyabla. Overnight in Gyabla.

Leaving behind the beautiful Gyabla village, we trek towards Ghunsa through a broad meadow. We then climb a small hill and descend to cross the river to reach the Tibetan village of Ghunsa with wooden houses, a micro hydropower plant, school, and a health post. Overnight in Ghunsa.

To adjust with the thinning air, we take a short hike to the opposite side of Ghunsa Khola with a gain of about 400m. After returning from the hike, we can spend rest of the day exploring the ancient village of Ghunsa visiting monasteries and learning about their Buddhist culture and tradition. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Today, we begin our trek entering the forested path along the south bank of Ghunsa Khola and passing several Mani walls and Chortens along the way. We also trek through several scree slopes and some glacial moraines to reach the Tibetan settlement of Khangpachen from where we can get the stunning view of the north face of Jannu (7710m). Overnight in Khangpachen.

Leaving behind Khangpachen, we follow the trail on the left side of Kanchenjunga Glacier. We hike along a high plateau to reach the campsite of Lhonak. From Lhonak, we can see the panoramic view of massive mountain peaks like Wegde Peak (6802m), Mera Peak (6364m), Nepal Peak (7177m), Twins (7350m), and many others. Overnight in Lhonak.

Today, we head towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp following the trail along the glaciers on the northern ridges. The camp is also known as Pang Pema from where we get the mesmerizing and spectacular view of Mt Kanchenjunga (8586m) along with the skyline filled with snow-capped mountain ranges bordering Nepal-India and Nepal-Tibet. And back to Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak.

After the amazing experience in KBC, we retrace our trail to Ghunsa enjoying the spectacular view of different mountains. Descending past Lhonak and Khangpachen while walking on the moraines of Kanchenjunga Glacier and Kumbhakarna Glacier, we arrive in Ghunsa. Overnight in Ghunsa.

To reach the High Camp, we trek along a steep rocky trail through a forested area filled with birch, pine, and colorful rhododendron. An amazing view of Jannu (7710m), Nyukla Laching (6670m), Temachunggi (6044m), and other mountains can be observed from High Camp. Overnight in High Camp.

Today might be the most challenging day as we cross over two passes on our way to Tseram, the highest pass being the Sele La (4480m) and Sinion La (4660). Upon reaching the top of the passes, we are rewarded with an amazing view of Yalung Glacier, Jannu (7710m), Makalu (8481m), Baruntse (7129m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), and many other mountain ranges along the Sikkim border. We then descend to Tseram for an overnight stay.

Passing the moraines of Yalung Glacier into an ablation valley, we ascend towards Ramche. We also come across a lake and a meadow where we can spot the blue sheep grazing on the grassy hills. We will visit the small monastery in Ramche, in the evening. Overnight in Ramche

Today, we explore Yalung Base Camp area. Trekking through the glacial moraines and challenging rocky path, we cross Oktang, from where we can get a panoramic view of Jannu (7720m) and Kanchenjunga (8586m), and several other peaks. We return back to Ramche for an overnight stay.

Retracing the same trail, we trek towards Anda Phedi relishing the view of different mountain ranges and herds of blue sheep over the grassy slope. Descending through the moraines of Yalung Glacier, we walk past Lapsang and Tseram to arrive in Anda Phedi. Overnight in Anda Phedi.

We descend towards Tortong through the densely forested path filled with rhododendrons and bushes. We also stumble across few streams, Chortens, monasteries, ponds, and waterfalls on our way to Tortong. Overnight at Lodge.

We continue to descend to the Amji Khola and then crossing Lasiya Bhanjyang (3310m) and Dhupi Bhanjyang (2620m), we descend towards Yamphudim. Yamphudim is a village inhabited by a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung. Overnight in Yamphudim.

Leaving behind the village of Yamphudim, we descend towards Khebang passing through valleys, waterfalls, and forest area. Crossing suspension bridges over several streams, we walk past small settlements alongside Kabeli Khola to arrive in Khebang. Overnight in Khebang.

Accompanied by the beautiful view of Kanchenjunga (8586m) and Kumbakaran/Jannu (7710m) in the background, we continue to trek towards Khanidingbe through lushly forested trail stumbling across several waterfalls along the way. Overnight in Khanidingbe.

We take a long drive to Birtamod enjoying the view of green hills, snow-capped mountains, rivers, and daily activities of the locals throughout the ride. From the mountainous part, we are now in the flatlands of Nepal. Overnight in Ilam.

We drive towards Bhadrapur airport to catch our flight back to the capital city. Enjoying the aerial view of the mountains, we arrive in Kathmandu. We transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast (or depending your flight schedule) we transfer to the airport final departure or follow your next adventures trip.

Check Available Dates
Start Finish Duration Gurop Size Status
02/10/2023 26/10/2023 02-10 guaranteed
09/10/2023 02/11/2023 02-10 guaranteed
16/10/2023 09/11/2023 02-10 guaranteed
23/10/2023 16/11/2023 02-10 guaranteed
30/10/2023 23/11/2023 02-10 guaranteed
06/11/2023 30/11/2023 02-10 guaranteed
13/11/2023 07/12/2023 02-10 guaranteed
20/11/2023 14/12/2023 02-10 guaranteed
27/11/2023 21/12/2023 02-10 guaranteed
04/12/2023 28/12/2023 02-10 guaranteed
11/12/2023 04/01/2024 02-10 guaranteed
18/12/2023 11/01/2024 02-10 guaranteed
25/12/2023 18/01/2024 02-10 guaranteed
02/01/2024 26/01/2024 02-10 guaranteed
08/01/2024 01/02/2024 02-10 guaranteed
15/01/2024 08/02/2024 02-10 guaranteed
22/01/2024 15/02/2024 02-10 guaranteed
29/01/2024 22/02/2024 02-10 guaranteed
05/02/2024 29/02/2024 02-10 guaranteed

Cost Details


What's Included
  • Arrival and Departure: Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop)
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu (3 nights in 2-3 star level tourist standard hotel with breakfast included, other possibilities on demand)
  • Welcome Dinner: One Welcome Dinner in tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staffs.
  • Sightseeing tour with an experienced local guide.
  • Tourist standard accommodation in star level hotel in Biratnagar including BLD.
  • Meals (3 meals / B.L.D) while on the trek (if camping food prepared by our cook cook with Tea & coffee).
  • Accommodation: Tea house (twin sharing basis room)/ Camping (twin sharing two men tent), dining tent, toilet tent.
  • A local government license holder Trekking Guide during the trek, a cook the required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and a general first aid kit.
  • National Park, Conservation Area entry permit fees:
  • Kanchenjunga Restricted area entry fees: US$30 per person
  • Kanchanjung National Park entry permit (USD45 per person), and all necessary permits
  • Trekking Permit TIMS (USD 20) Domestic Airfare: Kathmandu-Biratnagar / Suketar – Biratnagar – Kathmandu (USD390 round trip)
  • Surface Transfer to and from Kathmandu.
  • All land transfer as per given itinerary.
  • Map: Trekking map.
  • Program according to the itinerary
  • Government tax and Company service charges
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
  • Air Fare: International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
  • Nepal entry Visa fee: Nepali Visa fee $50 USD per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days is $100 USD).
  • Insurance: Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, Helicopter medical & emergency evacuation. *Mandatory
  • Entrance fees for monasteries, temples, world heritage sites.
  • Lunch & Dinner: Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking)
  • Extra night in Kathmandu: Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking
  • Personal Expenses: Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu).
  • Personal Equipment: Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears.
  • Toiletries: Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
  • Extra: Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Filming: Special Filming, Drone permit fee and Photography charges (if and when applicable).
  • Tips to guides, restaurants, hotel lobby, porters and trekking staff. (Tipping is expected.)

What to Expect

Accommodation:

We will be staying at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu, and in tea-houses during the trek. All rooms are on twin-shared basis. Single bedroom will be arranged on request and will cost additional. Fourteen Summit will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, tea-houses at some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and in trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher altitude.

Meals:

All meals will be provided during trekking (On demand, we can arrange only breakfast during the trek and trekkers can order lunch and dinner individually from the tea-house menu). In Kathmandu, breakfast will be available. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners taking place for guests. While on trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the tea-houses/lodges where we spend the night and lunch on our way to next destination. Authentic Nepalese, Tibetan, continental meals and Indian cuisine are common choices in the menu.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements:

Kanchanjunga Base camp trek is a moderate trek. Travelers who can walk up to 6-7 hours a day on an uphill and downhill trail will consider this trip fulfilling and enjoyable. It is a good idea to prepare for the Kanchanjunga trek by jogging and exercising regularly at least for a month prior to the start. Trekking to the Kanchanjunga Base Camp should be relatively easy for those who have experience in walking/trekking in high altitudes. Determination, good physical health, positive attitude and average physical fitness are good preconditions for a successful accomplishment of the trek. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skills are required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Fourteen Summit before booking the trek.

Best Time to Travel:

The best time for trekking to the Kanchanjunga Base Camp is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The temperature is moderate and guarantees amazing views throughout the trip. Although this trek can be undertaken during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone.

Equipment List

Fourteen Summit has compiled a list of necessary equipment, personal medical supplies and symptoms of medical condition likely to face during trekking / peak climbing. Also, please do understand that items listed below should be considered as an essential summary.
We highly recommend you to be familiar with all of your equipment and basic understanding of medical Conditions related to high elevation.

Your document to travel to Nepal:
Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport)
Dollars in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport
Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines

Accessories:
Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Water bottles
Toiletries
Small wash towel
Rain coat

Personal Clothing items
Head:
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection

Upper Body:
T-shirts
Weight thermal tops
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)

Hands:
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer

Lower Body:
Underwear
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

Feet:
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Personal Hygiene:
Personal hygiene supplies;
Two tubes lip sun cream, at least 1 large tube regular sun cream (min. factor 30), some after-sun lotion in case you do get a sunburn
One toothpaste/brush set;
One hand sanitizer gel
1 (fast drying) synthetic towel

Medical Supplies:
Personal prescription medications; Please let your leader know about any medical issues before the climb.
Small personal first-aid kit; (Simple and Light): first-aid tape, plasters (Band-Aids),alcohol-free wipes for cuts, personal medications, etc. (The leaders will have more extensive first-aid kits)
One skin blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhea pills (Imodium) (one regular package)
Anti-headache medication (Aspirin or Ibuprofen) (one regular package)
One small bottle cough and/or cold medicine.
One course antibiotics for chest infection, available locally at chemist shop or pharmacy with no doctor’s prescription.
One course antibiotics for stomach infection, available locally at chemist shop or pharmacy with no doctor’s prescription.
One small bottle anti-altitude sickness medication: Diamox (Acetylzolamide), available locally, for more about this medication, please contact us or your doctor
One small bottle of water purification tablets (needs to contain silver-ions AND chlorine) or a water filter or UV sterilizer.
Earplugs
Extra prescription glasses/contact lens. Contact lens wearers, please bring glasses in case of emergency.

Photo and Video